Hope/Chilliwack – A Chilliwack man was arrested and stolen property recovered following a police man hunt outside of Hope late last week.
On Thursday Afternoon ( June 18, 2015 at 3:15 p.m.) police were made aware of a stolen auto traveling westbound from Hope on the Trans Canada Highway. An officer from Fraser Valley Traffic Services immediately initiated patrols joined by members from Hope General Duty.
“The car was reported stolen in Hope on the 15th and the owner called when he saw his car on the highway today”, said Constable Bryan Theoret of Hope RCMP.
With the help from witnesses, police located the stolen red Neon abandoned on St. Elmo Road. Searchers cordoned the area and supported by Chilliwack Crime Reduction Unit, Integrated Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services began to scour the area for the driver.
As the search intensified, area residents continued to report a man running through nearby fields until, just after 5:00 p.m., the alleged driver was taken into custody by an officer of the Crime Reduction Unit.
Kevin Peter Hucal, 28, of Chilliwack is facing charges of Possession of Stolen Property under $5000 and Possession of Break in Instruments. Hucal was released from custody on June 23rd pending a court date in mid July.
“Our investigation continues as we look into the origin of other property found in the stolen car”, said Cpl. Adam Tallboy of Hope.
Everyone who witnesses anything they believe to be suspicious in nature is encouraged to contact the Hope RCMP at 604-869-7750 or, should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 FREE (TIPS).
